Real Monarchs Claim 3-1 Victory In Tacoma Over S2

Estrada's team-leading third goal of 2018 is not enough to counter Real Monarchs attack; John Hutchinson's side plays at home again in three days on Saturday, April 14 vs. Rio Grande Valley.

TACOMA, WASH. – Sounders FC 2 (1-4-0, 3 points) dropped a 3-1 result to USL Western Conference foe Real Monarchs SLC (4-4-0, 12 points) on Wednesday evening at a rain-soaked Cheney Stadium. Following tonight’s match, Real Monarchs move into pole position in the West, with S2 currently occupying 12th place in the 17-team division, just four points outside of the postseason cutoff. John Hutchinson’s side has another opportunity to climb the table in just three days, as the Rave Green face Rio Grande Valley FC on Saturday, April 14 at home in Tacoma (5:00 p.m. PT / ESPN+).

A back-and-forth first half of play produced two goals, with each side finding the back of the net through 45 minutes of action. Real Monarchs struck first, as the Utah club found the game’s opener through Mastanabal Kacher. Fellow midfielder Jose Hernandez earned an assist on the play.

S2 struck back in the 19th minute, as veteran Sounder David Estrada bagged a goal during a Rave Green corner-kick. Sounders FC Academy product Azriel Gonzalez provided the service, with Estrada getting on the end of a loose ball inside the area to level the match at one goal apiece. For the former MLS Sounder and current S2 player-coach, it was his team-leading third strike of 2018.

However, the visitors cemented their victory in the second half, with quality goals coming from Kacher and Chandler Hoffman. Kacher’s second tally came in the 65th minute, with Ricky Lopez-Espin providing service. Hoffman’s left-footed stab inside the area sealed the score at 3-1, with fellow substitute Sebastian Velasquez sliding home the cross.

S2 resumes USL action in just three days, as the Rave Green return to Cheney Stadium on Saturday, April 14 versus Rio Grande Valley FC. Kickoff for that contest is slated for 5:00 p.m. PT (ESPN+). Tickets for the match are available via WeRTacoma.com.